At the February 24, 2026 City Council meeting, several items of interest to residents were discussed. One of the items that brought the most comment was the proposal to add language regarding permissible uses in the Eldorado Valley. Currently, leasing or selling land for data center construction is not addressed in the City’s charter. In order to change that, voters must decide if this is a permissible use. All of the people who spoke during the public comment on the item were opposed to allowing a data center to be constructed in Eldorado Valley. The main concern seemed to be the volume of water these types of buildings typically use, but other issues were raised as well. Residents were opposed to the environmental impact to the area, the continued commercial development of Eldorado Valley, and potential health concerns resulting from the operation of such a center.
After public comment, the item came up for City Council review. They discussed the ballot question wording provided by City Attorney Brittany Walker. She stated that the ballot question only refers to about 86,000 acres of land in the Eldorado Valley Transfer Area, as the remaining land is part of a multi-species habitat protection area which cannot be commercially developed. City Council Member Walton noted that, if approved, the City Council could place restrictive measures on any data center project to protect City residents from negative affects like increased utility costs which were some of the concerns expressed by residents during public comment.
As it stands, a data center could be proposed on private land within the original townsite and the City would have less influence over the project. It would still have to follow the Land Management Plan process, including multiple public hearings, chances for public input, and approval by the City Council. There are no currently proposed data centers planned anywhere within the city limits, whether in the original townsite area or the Eldorado Valley Transfer Area.
In the end, the Council voted 3-1 to add this item to the November ballot for voter direction. Mayor Joe Hardy and Council Members Denise Ashurst and Steve Walton voted in favor of the measure to add the ballot question. Council Member Cokie Booth was opposed. Mayor Pro Tem Sherri Jorgensen was not present at the meeting.
Other topics addressed at the meeting included:
New Fire Station. Chief Ken Morgan made a presentation to the City Council about the Risk-Cost-Benefit analysis for a second fire station and additional fire department personnel. This was a presentation only and no action was taken on the item.
Revenue sources, fund balances, and funding caps in Special Reserve Funds. Council Member Steve Walton asked city staff to provide additional information about this topic and whether or not changes are needed. City Manager Ned Thomas explained some of the financial intricacies involved with the Special Reserve Funds, that city lease revenue currently funds. Finance Director Cynthia Sneed followed up with more detailed information on specific funds. City staff was directed by City Council to provide further information at a later meeting. No other action was taken on this item.
Golf course funding and operations. Council Member Denise Ashurst requested that this item be discussed among the Council members. Specifically she wanted to consider whether the Golf Courses should operate as an Enterprise Fund, rather than a Surcharge Fund. A Surcharge Fund is used for funding some Capital Improvement Projects at the golf courses. The Surcharge Fund is funded by a portion of greens fees paid for by the golfer. Funding for the golf course irrigation project are currently provided by the city wide General Fund (small portion), voter-approved fund (from lease revenue), and investment income. It’s not being funded by resident paid property taxes.
Parks and Recreation Director Julie Calloway discussed a customer incentive program. Golfers pay $200 for a Golf Boulder City card. The card entitles the golfer to one free round of golf at Boulder Creek Golf Course, one free round of golf at Boulder City Municipal Golf Course, one free round of golf the month of the holder’s birthday. Additionally for every seven rounds of golf played (and paid for), the eighth round is free.
She discussed how the program has added to the General Fund in the past couple of years. It paid for $1.6 million of rounds of golf plus $2 million of golf revenue directly from the incentive program.
Director Calloway stated the Municipal Golf Course has been in operation for 55 years. Boulder Creek Golf Course has been in operation for 25 years.
This was an informational agenda item only and no action was taken.
The February 24, 2026 City Council meeting can be viewed on the City’s YouTube account HERE. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 5:00PM at City Hall, 401 California Avenue in the City Council Chamber.
